Friday Funny

BOISE – Idaho lawmakers ratcheted up the abortion debate Thursday, as one state representative said he believes rape and incest are unlikely to result in pregnancy, and a party-line vote backed one of two bills championed this year by anti-abortion groups.

The bill in question would require women seeking abortions to be given a list of providers of free ultrasounds, and to be told they have a right to such a procedure and to hear a fetal heart monitor.

Backers said they believe such actions would make women more likely to decide against abortion. The measure makes no exception for victims of rape or incest.

During the hearing Rep. Pete Nielsen, R-Mountain Home, said, “Now, I’m of the understanding that in many cases of rape it does not involve any pregnancy because of the trauma of the incident. That may be true with incest a little bit.”

What’s really funny is the “with incest a little bit.” I particularly appreciate the “little bit” part. That was the touch that gives this one its shine.

Regarding rape not resulting in pregnancy. What? Representative Nielsen is saying rape “does not involve any pregnancy because of the trauma of the incident.” If I get this straight, then this Idaho politician is saying that if somebody knocks him over the head with a billy club and takes his money, he’s not going to miss the money because of the associated trauma.